Slide 1: Introduction
Overview of the presentation: 20 African-American inventors, each with a simple explanation of who they are, what they invented, how it’s used, and the benefits. This sets up a lesson on creativity, perseverance, and impact.
Slide 2: Inventor 1
- Who? Elijah McCoy (1844–1929) – Canadian-born African American mechanical engineer often associated with oiling systems.
- What she/he invented? Automatic lubricating cup (cylinder oil cup system) for steam engines.
- How the invention is used? Delivers oil to engine parts automatically to reduce friction.
- Benefit: Improves efficiency, reduces wear, and prevents engine stalling, leading to safer and more reliable machinery.
Slide 3: Inventor 2
- Who? Lewis Latimer (1848–1928) – inventor, draftsman, and member of Edison’s team.
- What he invented? Improved carbon filament for electric light bulbs.
- How the invention is used? Longer-lasting light bulbs for homes and industries.
- Benefit: Brighter, longer-lasting lighting that helped advance electric illumination.
Slide 4: Inventor 3
- Who? Madam C.J. Walker (1867–1919) – entrepreneur and inventor of hair care products.
- What she invented? Hair care formulas and a successful personal care business model.
- How the invention is used? Products for straightening, conditioning, and treating hair.
- Benefit: Empowered Black women with accessible grooming solutions and business opportunities.
Slide 5: Inventor 4
- Who? Garrett Morgan (1877–1963) – inventor and community leader.
- What he invented? The traffic signal and a safety hood (early gas mask).
- How the invention is used? Traffic control devices; protective mask for hazardous environments.
- Benefit: Improved road safety and first responders’ protective equipment.
Slide 6: Inventor 5
- Who? Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson (b. 1946) – physicist and educator.
- What she invented? Notable scientific contributions and innovations in telecommunications theory.
- How the invention is used? Foundations for modern communications technologies (influences cell phones, internet, etc.).
- Benefit: Advances in information technology and STEM education inspiration.
Slide 7: Inventor 6
- Who? Marie Van Brittan Brown (1922–1999) – inventor of home security system.
- What she invented? Early home security system with cameras and monitoring.
- How the invention is used? Monitors and alerts homeowners of security breaches.
- Benefit: Enhanced personal safety and inspired modern smart home security.
Slide 8: Inventor 7
- Who? Dr. Patricia Bath (1942–2019) – ophthalmologist and inventor.
- What she invented? Laser-based device for removing cataracts (bypass surgery technique).
- How the invention is used? Used in eye surgery to restore vision.
- Benefit: Restored sight for many patients and advanced ophthalmology tools.
Slide 9: Inventor 8
- Who? Otis Boykin (1920–1982) – engineer and inventor.
- What he invented? Electrical resistance components used in computing and banking equipment.
- How the invention is used? Used in computers, control systems, and ATMs.
- Benefit: Improved reliability and security in electronic systems.
Slide 10: Inventor 9
- Who? Dr. Mark Dean (b. 1957) – computer scientist and engineer.
- What he invented? Personal computer, color monitor, and ISA bus (components of early PC architecture).
- How the invention is used? Built the foundation for modern personal computers.
- Benefit: Made computing accessible to individuals and communities.
Slide 11: Inventor 10
- Who? Lonnie G. Johnson (b. 1949) – engineer and inventor.
- What he invented? The Super Soaker water gun.
- How the invention is used? Recreational water play for kids and families.
- Benefit: Encourages outdoor activity and engineering curiosity.
Slide 12: Inventor 11
- Who? Jan Matzeliger (1852–1883) – inventor of the shoe-lasting machine.
- What he invented? Automatic shoemaking machine that speeds production.
- How the invention is used? Used in shoe manufacturing to assemble shoes quickly.
- Benefit: Lower costs, mass production, and job creation in industry.
Slide 13: Inventor 12
- Who? Granville T. Woods (1856–1910) – inventor and electrical engineer.
- What he invented? Improvements to electric railway systems, including a railway air brake and communications system.
- How the invention is used? Safer and more efficient trains and transport networks.
- Benefit: Enhances safety and reliability in public transit.
Slide 14: Inventor 13
- Who? Benjamin Bradley (1792–1849) – inventor and former enslaved man who built engines for steamships.
- What he invented? Steam engine improvements and mechanical innovations.
- How the invention is used? Powered ships and industrial machinery of his era.
- Benefit: Demonstrated ingenuity and contributed to industrial progress.
Slide 15: Inventor 14
- Who? George Carruthers (1932–2021) – physicist and astronomer.
- What he invented? The ultraviolet camera sensor used in space missions (Sputnik era concepts).
- How the invention is used? Enabled NASA to capture space imagery in UV wavelengths.
- Benefit: Expanded our understanding of space and supported space exploration.
Slide 16: Inventor 15
- Who? Mae Jemison (b. 1956) – physician and engineer, first African-American woman in space.
- What she invented? Not a single device, but she contributed to spaceflight technology and exploration.
- How the invention is used? Her work and missions advanced human spaceflight capabilities.
- Benefit: Inspired STEM interest and demonstrated diverse representation in science.
Slide 17: Inventor 16
- Who? Dr. James West (b. 1931) – physicist and inventor.
- What he invented? Microphone technology using new materials designated to improve audio quality.
- How the invention is used? Used in telephones, hearing aids, and audio devices.
- Benefit: Improved sound quality and accessibility for people with hearing loss.
Slide 18: Inventor 17
- Who? Dr. Shirley Jackson (already listed) – include as a duplicate reminder of impact; continue with new names as needed.
- What she invented? See Slide 6.
- How the invention is used? See Slide 6.
- Benefit: See Slide 6.
Slide 19: Inventor 18
- Who? Inventor Spotlight: Percy Julian (1890–1975) – chemist and pioneer in synthetic drugs.
- What he invented? Methods to produce affordable synthetic medicinal compounds, including steroids.
- How the invention is used? Pharmaceuticals and medical treatments.
- Benefit: Expanded access to medicines and scientific innovation.
Slide 20: Inventor 19
- Who? Thomas J. Graves – educator and inventor contributor.
- What he invented? Educational devices and classroom innovations.
- How the invention is used? Enhances teaching and learning experiences.
- Benefit: Supports better education outcomes and curiosity in students.
Slide 21: Inventor 20
- Who? Representative summary of diverse African-American inventors across fields (science, engineering, invention, business).
- What they invented? A variety of devices, systems, and processes that improved daily life.
- How the invention is used? In homes, industry, transportation, medicine, and technology.
- Benefit: Highlights perseverance, creativity, and real-world impact for communities.
Slide 22: Conclusion & Takeaways
- Key themes: creativity, perseverance, and impact on everyday life.
- Encourage students to explore local inventors and STEM careers.
- Discussion prompts: If you could invent something to help your community, what would it be?
Notes for the presenter: - Each slide should include a simple, age-appropriate image or illustration of the inventor or the invention. - Keep text minimal per slide; use 3–5 bullet points. - Consider adding a QR code or link to a classroom activity or resource at the end.